Funding $2,500 to lease a shooting range in Atkins caused heated debate during Tuesday night's Pope County Quorum Court Budget Committee meeting, even though the issue was eventually tabled and will be discussed at next month's committee meeting.

"This shooting range is in my district," Justice Nell Warren of Atkins said, adding she had calls from residents who were very upset about it, and there should have been community input. Warren said she was not aware of the project until dirt was dug for it.

Sheriff Jay Winters said Arkansas Nuclear One (ANO) and the city of Russellville has helped the county greatly, but everyone has upgraded since Sept. 11, 2001, and it would be easier for scheduling to have a separate shooting range.

"If we have something that's leased for us, we can do the training while we're working," Winters said, adding county employees would not have to be paid overtime.

Winters stressed the bargain the county was getting by saying $2,500 annually for 20 years would not pay for the building.

"We built the range above NRA (National Rifle Association) specifications," Winters said. "We hope as time goes on to do more in Russellville."

Warren said she was concerned about others also picking up a lease at the shooting range.

"The Pope County Sheriff's Office are the tenants," Winters said.

Winters said they may have others at the shooting range from time to time, but there would only be one key with access.

Justice of the Peace Jack Freeman said something on the ordinance should have read that the shooting range was just for law enforcement, so others could not lease it. Winters said the shooting range would not be leased to anyone else.

According to Warren, an Attorney General's opinion states that it is against constitutional law to use public funding for private purposes. She cited the case of Chandler vs. Board of Trustees, adding her issue was that the shooting range would be a private endeavor.

Justice Larry Pettus said he was concerned about what the consequence would be if a member of the public or a child was hurt. Winters said he did not see that happening, but anything was possible.

Pettus said he was first aware of the shooting range when the Atkins City Council approved funding $2,000 for it, adding it should have come before the Quorum Court.

Winters said he took the blame for it, however, he was not trying to hide anything. He said he wanted to work everything our prior to approaching the Justices.

"This is an absolute no-brainer to me," Winters said.

Pettus said there was too much bringing things before the court in the county and expecting it to automatically be approved.

Warren said she talked with Russellville Police Chief James Bacon, and the county using Russellville's shooting range would not be a problem. She said it would be easier to work together than use the shooting range in Atkins.

Winters said he had spoken with residents who were in favor of the shooting range in Atkins. Warren said that was the first she heard of it because there was a petition with 70 individuals against the shooting range.

"Things have changed since 9/11," Justice Roger Freeman said, adding it was important to train for terrorists to assure the police were prepared.

Freeman said the shooting range within the city limits was crowded. He added the county would save enough on overtime pay with the new shooting range to pay for the lease.

Pettus asked about the audience having an opportunity to speak.

Justice and Budget Committee Chair Jerry Williams said when the issue comes before the Quorum Court at a regular meeting, citizens would be able to express their viewpoints.

Warren said she would not vote in favor of paying the $2,500 for the lease. Winters said a public shooting range would cost much more ane be less safe.

The other items on the agenda passed unanimously and will be voted on by the Quorum Court during tonight's 7 o'clock meeting. They were:

n $5,000 for training for the Sheriff's Department;

n $13,000 for a vehicle for the Sheriff's Department, but $3,000 will be reimbursed to the county. Winters said the vehicle is expected late this week or early next week;